Reloading Kit

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marineman

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What is the best reloading kit that has everything I need to reload shells with the exception of primers, brass, bullets, and powder that I can get for $150 or less? Please provide links if possible. Thanks.
 
The Lee kits are good - not fancy, but they do have what you need. I'm using a Lee breech lock challenger kit that I got for $85 on sale.
 
Thanks for the posts thus far. It seemed to me after having researched it on my own that the RCBS kits are good, but much more expensive and the Lee kits are still good, but much less expensive and will still get the job done. You guys have all confirmed that. Thanks.
 
You didn't say how much ammo you think you will reload.

If it is less than occasional short runs of a hundred or so then the single stage is great. I assume you will not need the large volume a progressive can churn out.

If you need a middle road of volume with the same quality control of a single stage press, the Lee turret press is a good halfway house.

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=2180&dir=210|212|237

One advantage with the turret is that if you have more than one caliber you load for, you can buy a second plate for about $11, set it up with a second set of dies and swap them in and out in seconds.

http://www.grafs.com/product/190378

I would heartily recommend that you invest in a small digital scale, the balance scale with the Lee is very good but can take time to settle. Once again you can get a small one to start with.

http://www.grafs.com/product/203176

Do shop around for kit and components, the prices can vary widely, particlularly the variance in shipping costs, these are the places I check.

http://www.grafs.com/
http://www.midwayusa.com/
http://www.wideners.com/
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/
http://www.gamaliel.com/cart/home.php
http://www.natchezss.com/
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...007&navAction=jump&cm_re=store*left*cat602007
http://buy.cheaperthandirt.com/Default.aspx
 
The Lee is a good starter kit. Even as you advance, you'll find a use for that press. I would 'upgrage' to this next kit because it has the Lee Auto Prime and all 'shellholders' for it. I still use that primer for my match loads. Costs a bit more, but IMO, the primer is worth it.

Challenger Breech Lock

I do blue, but this is gives the best bang for the buck.

There a many things in this kit you'll use throught your reloading quests: The press is on par with a rock-cruncher, the scale, the auto prime, the powder thrower... Don't be fooled by its price, there's some quality stuff in this kit.

I'm in the camp that one should learn to reload on a single stage before progressing. It keeps you focused on each stage of the process that will help you identify problems when you move up. Just my opionion...

I'd throw away their lube when the box arrives. Get some imperial die sizing wax instead. If you don't want to get a tumbler yet, clean the brass with some Goo Gone available at most hardware stores.
 
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Hey Griz,

I have a few blue thingys but don't forget, I also have a couple of Red thingy's too. Not to my mention, my infamous "hand held red thingy".
 
The "blue man group" thing was pretty funny, though.

Count me in that group. Plus a little green. (RCBS)

Not much from Lee, other than a few FCDs and the hand primer.
 
Thanks for the great responses thus far. Can someone please explain the different steps to reloading a rifle cartridge and what each of the tools are used for? Thanks.
 
The first thing you need to do is read the "sticky" at the top of this forum regarding equipment, etc.

The second thing is to purchase a reloading manual authored by Speer, Lyman, Sierra, Hornady, etc. A used one on Ebay is just fine, as long as it was published within the last 20 years or so.

After you have done the first two above, then you can start reloading. Trying it before that is asking for serious trouble.

Reloading is not "rocket science" but unless you understand the very basic fundamentals, you can get in real trouble and injure yourself and others near you with the "wrong handload."

The sticky & books will give you very good advice and will allow you to start from the very beginning. Problem with many of us that have been reloading for many, many, years is that we take for granted those things that a newcomer to reloading may not know. The reloading manuals will cover those very basic things that we may forget or skip over.
 
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&src=iF10&prodID=RC87466

I have both RCBS and Dillon presses. Not to disparage the blue men, but my preference has always been my Rockchucker over the RL650, go figure! YMMV.

FYI, this is on sale at Natchez

RCBS Partner Standard Press Reloading Kit

Product Title: PARTNER STANDARD RELOADING KIT
Item Price: $139.99 (sale price)
Availability: In Stock
Shipping Weight: 10.37 lbs.

Partner Standard Press Reloading Kit

Includes
Partner Press,
Model RC-130 Reloading Scale,
Case Lube Kit,
Powder funnel,
Primer Tray,
Deburring Tool,
Case Loading Block,
Speer Reloading Manual,
instructions

Hope this helps.
 
I have the Breech Lock kit and it's great. Does everything I need it to do and then some. I've loaded quite a bit of rifle and pistol on this press as well as an RCBS and can't tell a difference between the reloads. I can tell the difference between the presses themselves, but doesn't matter to me or my reloading.
 
I'd throw away their lube when the box arrives. Get some imperial die sizing wax instead.
Click to expand...

Why? I realize lube choice is something of a personal preference, but all the stuck case stories seem to involve wax type lubes, especially Imperial. I have so far been using the Lee stuff, letting it dry completely (which is optional) on .223 cases and have had no issues with the lube. I do have a can of Hornady "Unique" sitting around if I discover a problem with the Lee stuff, but I don't expect to discover such a problem.
 
What is a case length gage and what are reloading dies? I noticed that the sets suggested do not include either. Are they necessary? Also, how much and what kind of powder can I expect to use to reload 100 rounds of .308 or .30-06 with 150grain Remington Core-Lokt bullets? Thanks.
 
They (the kits) never mention that you will need a caliper...About $26, but it's still needed. Daon't forget a good loading manual like Lyman's 48 or 49th Edition...
 
my library is so outdated! they have no manuals newer than like 1993.... lyman 47th lol




but check out what your library has first an mebbe save a few bucks for powder
 
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